Jack-knifefish
Scientific Name: Equetus lanceolatus
Category: fish
Brief Description
A distinctive species of drum or croaker known for its high, slender dorsal fin that resembles a jack-knife blade.
Characteristics
Characterized by a very tall, pointed first dorsal fin and a long, low second dorsal fin. The body is silver-gray with three bold dark brown or black stripes: one running vertically through the eye, one curving from the nape to the pelvic fin, and a long one running from the tip of the first dorsal fin through the body into the tail.
Habitat
Found in coral reefs, rocky bottom areas, and occasionally around piers or shipwrecks at depths of 10 to 60 meters.
When to Find It
N/A
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Ecological Role
A carnivore that feeds on small crustaceans and worms, playing a role in the benthic food web of reef ecosystems.
Easily Confused With
Spotted Drum (Equetus punctatus), which has dots on its fins and tail rather than stripes, and Highhat (Pareques acuminatus), which has more numerous horizontal stripes and a shorter dorsal fin.
Observation Tips
Look for them hiding in reef crevices or under ledges during the day; they are often found in pairs or small groups near the sandy bottom.
Interesting Facts
Juveniles have even more exaggerated fins than adults. Like other members of the Sciaenidae family, they can produce 'drumming' sounds by vibrating muscles against their swim bladder.